Former Quiznos exec to c.e.o. at Spicy Pickle

DENVER — Mark Laramie has been named chief executive officer of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., operator of the fast-casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the United States and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada. The move effectively splits the current c.e.o./president role at Spicy Pickle, with current president Marc Geman continuing in that position.

A 30-year veteran in the restaurant industry, Mr. Laramie has extensive experience in retail operations, franchising, brand management and organizational development. Most recently, he was c.e.o. and chairman of Pinnacle Restaurant Group and FranExecs Consulting Group since 2007. From 2002 to 2006 he was president and chief operating officer of Papa Murphy’s International, and from 1998 to 2001 he was c.o.o. of Quiznos Classic Subs and later president and c.e.o. of Quiznos of Canada and the United Kingdom. From 1983 to 1998 he was the group vice-president of franchising for Little Caesars Enterprises Inc. He also was the managing partner of a 53-store franchisee of Little Caesars.

“We have been working steadily to improve both our board of directors and bring in C level personnel with extensive experience in growing franchise chains and refining retail operations,” Mr. Geman said. “Mark Laramie fits these criteria perfectly. With his background we add the needed ingredient of operational know-how for rapid expansion while we continue to look at multiple opportunities for the growth of our system. I look forward to working with Mark and having someone with his restaurant experience and skills to help us firmly establish both our brands — Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafes — throughout North America and beyond.”